Hobart Makes History with Australia’s first Green Deputy Lord Mayor-elect

Celebrations today for the Tasmanian Greens as Alderman Helen Burnet was declared provisional winner for Hobart’s Deputy Lord Mayor position.

Ald Burnet had an anxious wait to find that she nosed ahead of Ald Peter Sexton after the distribution of Ald Darlene Haigh’s preferences for the position.

“I am over the moon now that the wait is over, as it has been a very long 24 hours”, Ald Burnet said. “We have made history as it is the first time that this senior role of Deputy Lord Mayor will be filled by a Green.

“I believe that it shows that the people of Hobart have appreciated the steady approach that the Greens have taken on Council in helping move our city to one that is climate-change ready, that is more socially inclusive and that is designed for people to enjoy.

“I look forward to getting down to work and helping lead the way for Hobart and the next Council” Alderman Burnet said.

Alderman Burnet was re-elected with the second-highest aldermanic vote behind the Lord Mayor Rob Valentine, holding her vote from 4 years ago. “It will be another nervous wait until the final votes are counted to see who lines up for the swearing in of the new Council on November 9th. I am hopeful that Greens candidate Corey Peterson who put in a tremendous effort can join Bill Harvey, Philip Cocker and myself, but look forward to working constructively for Hobart with all around the table, regardless”, she concluded.

Alderman Helen Burnet